Q&A with Chictopia Style Icon Holly Darling of Holly Dolly Blog

Meet Holly Darling of Holly Dolly Blog, a Boston-based blogger who curates outfits with a personal touch. From classic pieces like wide-leg pants to quirky animal-print tops, we’re smitten by her eclectic choices. The gal also has serious DIY skills. We fell hard for the sweet bow-tie necklaces and scalloped leather collars on her Etsy shop. Keep reading for the 411 on this bespectacled brunette and maker of lovely goods.

The first thing I look for in an outfit is…that feeling.

“I need to feel like myself in it. I’m big on color. A lot of times, my outfits go together based on color rather than shape or style. I like pairing different colors together that some people wouldn’t think of putting together.”

I like to wear glasses because…I have to!

“Yes, they are prescription. I really love glasses because I despise contacts, and I feel naked without them on my face. Plus, they are a super fun accessory, and I fully embrace the hipster factor :).”

How I come up with my outfits…thanks to the community.

“I follow so many other adorable style bloggers, and I love the inspiration that comes from the community. When I see someone else post a super cute outfit, I try not to think ‘I can copy that’, but rather ‘Hey, that’s a good idea! I can do something similar with my own items and own style.’ When it comes down to it, I wear whatever feels right to me and what I’m drawn to.”

I currently work as…a blogger and shop owner.

“Other than building my jewelry and accessory shop, I also work as a blog contributor for Megan Nielson, a sewing supply store. I sew, make variations using her patterns, and post tutorials. It is super fun for me. Not only do I get to work from the comfort of my own apartment (and sometimes in my pajamas – shhhh!), but I get to do it on my own schedule.”

I started my fashion blog and store because…I just wanted to make things!

“I had been reading style blogs for awhile and had been completely obsessed. I wanted to try it myself, but was a little timid. So I started with an inspirational / I-post-pretty-pictures type of Tumblr blog.

Then, one day I just said ‘I’m gonna do it. I wanna do it,’ and I started taking outfit photos. I’m glad I took the plunge! The name HollyDolly is actually a nickname a few aunts and uncles used to call me when I was younger. And it seemed fitting for a style blog, since it is just a grown-up version of playing dress up :).

My shop has been a slow progression. It started out with my own clothing creations, and has evolved to jewelry and accessories. It was something that I started after I graduated from design school and didn’t have a job. I love to create and make and am always working on something. So it only seemed natural to start a shop."

My husband contributes to my blog by…being my photographer.

“My husband takes the majority of my outfit photos. He puts up with all my nonsense–asking him to keep snapping until he gets the perfect shot, and me constantly fixing my hair every few photos. And no, he doesn’t always understand my outfits. The first time I walked out in a crop top, he looked at me like I was crazy. But he just goes with it… he knows I wear what I like.”

My favorite camera brand is…Canon.

I’m a Canon person. I recently upgraded from a XTi to a T4i, and usually use a 50mm 1.4 lens or a 40mm pancake lens for my outfit photos. But, I also really love my Fujifilm Instax camera, and of course, my iPhone camera.

I would never wear…high-top wedge sneakers.

“I know a lot of other bloggers love that trend, but that’s one thing I don’t think I will ever get on board with myself. It’s funny, I used to say I would never wear ’90s trends. But now, I am completely obsessed with crop tops and overalls. It’s funny how that happens.”

This movie best describes my style…Little Miss Sunshine.

“Hmmmm. this is a hard one. Maybe Little Miss Sunshine? It’s cutesy but a little out there—totally hipster and a little bit charming.”

My next project is…a bridal line!

“I’m thinking birdcage veils, tulle, and bows!”

Lastly, cats or dogs?…Both!

“I had both growing up and would love to have both eventually, myself. We probably won’t adopt a dog until further down the road when we aren’t living in a tiny apartment. But we are hoping to adopt a kitten soon!”

Got some questions for Holly? Comment below and she may just answer them!

Every month, Everybody Is Ugly will be featuring an interview with a Chictopia Style Icon! Check out last month’s interview with Style Icon, Eros Buzza!